Throughout the history of war, soldiers have always taken away souvenirs from the battlefield. The following images are examples of some of the captured items brought home, better known as spoils of war.

NSDAP Armband.

Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) Armband.

The Hitler Youth was a paramilitary organization for German males ages 14-18. Members of Hitlerjugend were indoctrinated with the ideals of the Nazi regime and participated in both physical and military training.

Nazi Party Sash.

The sash is made of velvet with a cotton backing. The tassles are red and blue.

Deutsche Wehrmacht Armband.

German M1942 Luftwaffe Helmet.

German 2nd Model DAK Helmet.

German M1940 Heer Helmet.

German M1940 Helmet.

German Police Helmet.

This is a German Police (Deutsche Polizei) helmet. These helmets were not made for combat use but for civic duties.

Luftshutz M38 Gladiator Helmet.

Stahlhelm M38

German M1940 Helmet.

With camoflauge paint scheme and bread-bag strap.

Schutzstaffel Cap Devices.

Swastika Flag Roundel.

War Order of the German Cross.

These were worn on the white uniforms of high ranking Officers during Hitler's visit to Italy in 1941.

SS Roundel.

German War Merit Cross 2nd Class.

Small Lapel Pin.

Mother's Cross of Honour.

2nd Class Order, Silver Cross: eligible mothers with six to seven children

German M38 Gasmask.

With case and lenses.

German Model 1933 Field Phone.

German "Gott mit uns" Belt Buckle.

Gott mit uns/God with us

Nazi Flag Topper.

German M31 Canteen & Cover.

German Dust Goggles with Case.

German POW Folk Art.

This is a set of folk art items made by German POW's in 1945 for 1st LT. Walter H. Weaver of the 66th Armored Field Artillery Battalion/14th Armored Division. The POW camp was in Sulzbach-Rosenberg, Bavaria, Germany. The set includes two picture frames and a cigarette holder/ashtray.

German group photograph. On the reverse, the names of the soldiers are listed as well as the dates that some of them were killed.

German Labor Front Book.

German Photo at the Maginot Line.

This is an original photograph of four German soldiers standing on to of one of the gun turrets of the French Maginot Line.

Germany/Italy Alliance Piece.

1938 NSDAP Fuhrerschein.

German Aviator Helmet.

German Zeppelin Postcard.

Kriegsmarine Ausweis Book & Deutches Reich Coin.

Japanese Pith/Sun Helmet.

This is a Type 98 Version 2 sun helmet. This version has the air vent on the top but the side vents were eliminated. Click here for a photo of the inside of the helmet.

Japanese Pith/Sun Helmet.

This is a Type 98 Version 3 sun helmet. This version eliminated both the top and side air vents. The helmet could also be worn over the Type 90 steel helmet as a cover. Click here to see a photo of the inside of the helmet.

Japanese Type 90 Helmet.

Japanese Civil Defense Helmet.

These were predominantly used by the Japanese Civil Defense.

Officer's Cap.

With original hat box.

Japanese Officer's Cap.

Japanese Canteen.

Japanese Canteen.

1,000 Stitch Belt.

This 1,000 stitch belt, or Senninbari, appears to be all white until held up to the light. The light reveals a tiger made up of 1,000 stitches. The symbol of a tiger was often used in these belts because a tiger could travel very far from it's home yet still return safely.

Heavy Battle Cruiser Kako.

Original photograph.

Imperial Japanese Navy Flag.

Japanese Flag.

This is a small Japanese flag that would have been hung from the end of a rifle. This particular flag has multiple bloodstains.

Japanese Rising Sun Flag.

Large Japanese Flag.

Japanese Celebration Banner.

These are often referred to as "Going to War" banners. They were used when seeing a new soldier off to war by his parents, relatives and friends. This banner is for a Saburou Nakamoto and was a gift of Mr. Tsune Kojima. The character at the top in red means "celebration."

Paper Japanese Flags.

These are one sided, rice paper Japanese flags. These were most likely hung in storefront and home windows to show patriotism.

Japanese Fan.

Given away by the Mikasa Bank located in Fukuoka, Japan. Mt. Fukuoka can be seen in the background.

Handmade Japanese Record Case.

This case was sent home as a souvenir by a Sgt. of the 6th Marine Division. On one side there is Japanese writing and the case is full of Japanese records and leaflets advertising other Japanese recording artists.